Last Major Battle of the Revolution

What was the last major battle of the American Revolution called?

Here are some clues. In October of 1781 General George Washington with the help of their French allies surrounded this city in Virginia where Lord Cornwallis and his army was stationed. The victory at this place led to the end of the Revolutionary War. As the defeated British marched past the American and French soldiers the song, “The World Turned Upside Down” was played. What was the battle called?

 

 

 

Answer:
The Surrender of Yorktown.

During the battle one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Nelson Jr. actually owned a house in Yorktown. He was leading the Virginia militia during the battle and he noticed that the American troops were not bombarding his house even though the British were using it as their headquarters. He ordered them to fire on his house. It survived the attack and is still standing today.

Also, at the end of the battle Lord Cornwallis pretended to be ill and sent his sword as a sign of surrender by one of his officers to Washington. Washington in turn had one of his officers receive the sword.

After the victory at Yorktown, Washington issued an order saying, “Divine Service is to be performed tomorrow. . . . The Commander in Chief earnestly recommends that the troops not on duty should universally attend with that seriousness of deportment (manner) and gratitude of heart which the recognition of such reiterated (repeated) and astonishing interpositions (interventions) of Providence demand of us.

Read more about the Surrender at Yorktown in Heroes and Heroines of the Past: American History.

Read about Thomas Nelson Jr. in Freedom Founded: Short Biographies of the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence.

To learn more about the the American Revolution check out these books by Amy Puetz Fox.